Page 33 of Their Greatest Strength

“The Pythons. We were born and raised in Vancouver, and our dad loved them.”

He nods, seeming to understand what I’m saying without needing clarification. My father isn’t a topic I feel like talking about now, if ever, and I can appreciate someone who doesn’t push on sensitive topics.

“My family weren’t huge football fans. More of a hockey-loving bunch.”

“Honestly, I’ve never been able to understand football, so you have your work cut out for you. Nate’s tried to teach me a million times.”

“I’m not worried,” he declares slyly.

“Well, I am. You said they wanted you to marry a fan, right? How am I supposed to pretend to be one during this meeting with your bosses?”

“They’re not going to hand you a pop quiz, Bandit. I have a game tomorrow, and then I’ll get something set up and let you know. Are you good for this weekend?”

The scent of whiskey travels through the space between us, mild and muted, weakened by the cologne that’s hanging on to his T-shirt. I get the urge to lean in to smell the fabric and quickly decide this is a great moment to leave.

“This weekend is fine. Nate has practice on Sunday, but I’m free Saturday,” I say haphazardly.

It’s not like I have work or anything anymore.

Fuck, that burns.

“I’m twenty-three, to answer your earlier question.” Jamie slides off his stool and hovers a hand over my back while we retreat through the kitchen. “Are you taking the bus back?”

“I was. Were you planning on offering me another ride?”

“Would you have agreed or told me to get screwed?” he teases.

I nip at the inside of my cheek and turn my head so he can’t see my mouth curl at the corner. “Look at you learning.”

“Might as well mark me down with honours, Blakely. You’re my new favourite subject.”

11

JAMIE

I handthe ball off to the ref and tug at the bottom of my jersey. Another first down, and I’m buzzing while shoulder bumping Chase. He’s too zoned in to the game to notice me as Jax and the defense take position for the next play.

It’s the best reaction he could have. If Jaxon can’t get the ball to me, Chase is who I want to take the touchdown.

We part, going to separate sides of the zone. The team sets up, and I pull in calm, slow breaths, flexing my toes in my cleats and fingers in my gloves. The linebacker across from me licks his lips, and I toss him a wink, unbothered by the intimidation. Soon enough, he’ll be chasing after me.

The snap comes quickly. I’m already moving, feet digging into the turf. Mr. Dry Lips mirrors me, his shoulders back and gaze intense.

I explode into action, cutting hard to the outside. Jax is rolling right, searching through the moving bodies in front of him. He’s patient and calm. It’s what makes him the best QB in the league, and right now, he’s waiting for me to get clear.

Throwing a quick jab step to the inside, I watch for the moment the defender loses me and push my legs harder, leaving him a step behind. The ball is already sailing through the coolingevening air when I turn my head to track it. My pace is fast enough that for half a second, I worry whether I’ll be able to stop once I’ve slid into the end zone or if I’ll ram face first into the barriers.

The crowd screams, and I bundle the noise up, shovelling it down into my chest. My cleats rip into the turf as I clear yard after yard until, finally, the ball drops.

I catch it in one hand before cradling it into my chest at the same moment the defender dives for me. He misses, only succeeding in making me stumble slightly.

Once I’ve gained my balance, I’m gone again. One defender has a bit of an angle to attempt to take me down, but I cut back inside, leaving him flailing. The end zone opens up in front of me, and I cross the line untouched, pumping the ball into the air.

Chase and the closest players to me run up as I cradle my invisible bow and shoot an arrow straight at Jaxon. The fans roar when he points back at me and mouths, “All you.”

It’s a tradition that started at the beginning of this season, and while the media doesn’t give a shit about the team, they do get quite a kick out of our little bromance.Jaxisonis our supposed couple name.

I head to the sidelines and get a slap on the back from Coach.

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